Ste Walker developed Crohn’s disease – a long-term condition, which causes inflammation of the digestive lining – in 2012.
After years of struggle and being judged by others, he has posted an account on Facebook to explain the extent of this ‘invisible illness’.
Because Walker’s illness is easily hidden, people say he looks ‘normal’ and frequently accuse him of ‘conning the system’ for using disabled toilets or parking spaces. Crohn’s is obviously still a serious disease and has, in fact, caused him to develop further conditions, including osteoarthritis, gastro-paresis and chronic pain syndrome.
Alongside photographs taken of himself, both dress and undressed, revealing various medical devices and scars, Walker wrote: ‘People are too quick to judge these days, just because I look normal and speak normal, that doesn’t mean I don’t have a major disability… to look at me I look like any normal guy my age, but that’s because I want you to view me like that… look [a bit] closer [though], or ask me questions, and you will soon realise that I have a major illness.’
People are too quick to judge these days, just because I look normal and speak normal, that doesn't mean I don't have a...
Posted by Ste Walker on Sunday, 25 October 2015
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The 24-year-old has a Hickman line to help feed him, and a tube to drain his stomach; the scar running down his abdomen has been opened up three times in the last two years for major life-saving surgeries.
Since the Facebook post was published, it has had over 59,000 shares and many positive comments.
A GoFundMe page has launched, where you can donate money for Walker's future hospital bills and equipment.
